The Importance of a Neck Exam after a Concussion

Post Concussion Syndrome: More Than Just a Lingering Headache

When most people think about a concussion they think of the damage that is done to the brain. MRIs, Cat Scans, x-rays and neurological exams are generally focused on the skull and brain. But persistent symptoms related to a concussion may have more to do with the neck, then the head.

Concussion is classified as a mild traumatic brain injury. According to mayoclinic.com, usual symptoms that accompany a concussion are headache, amnesia and confusion. But many other symptoms may follow, sometimes not for days or weeks following the initial injury. These may include ongoing headaches, dizziness, brain fog, light or noise sensitivity and feelings of depression or frustration. If symptoms develop or persist over a period of a weeks, months or years, you likely have what is termed “post concussion syndrome.”

A study conducted by the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (as presented in the JAMA Pediatrics, Feb 2013) indicated that post concussion syndrome (PCS) developed in 29.3% of children between the ages of 5-18 who presented to the emergency department with concussion. Other studies also indicate that about one third of those who experienced a concussion injury will develop PCS.

Dr. Robert Cantu, a Neurosurgeon and world renowned expert in concussion and post concussion symptoms suggests a list of 26 symptoms that can be related to PCS. In his book, Concussion and our Kids, Dr. Cantu highlights 4 categories of symptoms: Somatic (affecting the physical), Emotional (affecting mood), Sleep disturbance and Cognitive (affecting thinking and processing information).

It is clear that a concussion and post concussion symptoms can leave you with much more than just a headache.

But why are the symptoms lingering?

Concussion? You Need to Have Your Neck Examined

Why is the neck exam after a concussion so important?

Following any head or neck trauma that is significant enough to cause a concussion, there will be a tearing loose of the connective tissue that holds the spine in place as well. This will lead to a weakness that will allow the spine to breakdown and lock into a stressed position. This misalignment pattern frequently develops as the heavy head is slightly misaligned from the upper neck bones.

As little as three quarters of a degree is enough to alter the position of the head and force the brain to adapt the spinal posture in order to keep the eyes and ears level with the horizon. This is known as the righting reflex within the brain.